THE owner of the Marina Restaurant next to Torquay's Pavilion is launching a new venture.

While Nick Avary-Jones is retiring after 30 years running the harbourfront restaurant next to Torquay marina car park, his Swedish chef Lauri Hilli is taking over.

Nick explained Lauri has been with him for a year. And with the impending Harbour Hotels development, this is expected to be their last summer trading at that site.

He said: "Due to the proposed development I have decided to make some changes. I have given him a free hand to produce a fish and seafood menu with Swedish influences with a couple of meat dishes available with a Sunday carvery with a menu also available.

"The restaurant has been in existence 30 years this year and when we close for the development, Lauri will open his own restaurant somewhere near or on the harbourside — he is actively looking for a suitable premises.

"I will give him all the equipment he needs and will be a sleeping partner — this is assuming the developers get planning permission, of course."

Harbour Hotel group which is proposing a luxury hotel and residential apartments on the Pavilion and Torquay Marina car park site have said they hoped to get a planning application in April.